On April 26, 2025, President Donald Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, joining world leaders in paying respects to the late pontiff. The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Square, was marked by solemn tributes, with Trump seated in the front row alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Estonian President Alar Karis, and King Felipe VI of Spain.
However, controversy followed Trump as he shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on social media. The post, which depicted him in white papal vestments, sparked backlash from Catholic leaders and social media users, with many accusing him of disrespecting the late pope. New York’s Catholic bishops condemned the image, calling it “mocking” and “offensive”. Vice President JD Vance defended Trump, arguing that critics were overreacting to a joke.
Trump also faced criticism for wearing a blue suit to the funeral, a departure from the traditional black attire worn by most attendees. While Vatican sources clarified that there was no official dress code, some observers viewed his choice as an attempt to stand out.
April 26, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending diplomatic engagements with controversial personal decisions. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate international relations while facing scrutiny at home.